.WSP File Extension

SharePoint Solution Package

Developer	Microsoft
Popularity	Average rating 3.5 / 5. Vote count: 11
Category	Developer Files
Format	.WSP
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an WSP file?

A .WSP file, short for SharePoint Solution Package, is a file format used in Microsoft SharePoint environments. It serves as a container for deploying components such as web parts, site templates, features, and other SharePoint-related assets.

More Information.

Initially introduced as a convenient way to package and deploy customizations and extensions for SharePoint, .WSP files streamline the deployment process and ensure consistency across different SharePoint environments.

Origin Of This File.

The .WSP file format was introduced alongside Microsoft SharePoint, a web-based collaboration platform, initially released in 2001.

File Structure Technical Specification.

A .WSP file is essentially a cabinet file (CAB) containing XML manifest files, assemblies, resources, and other necessary files for SharePoint components. The structure typically includes a manifest.xml file defining the contents and configuration of the solution, along with directories for features, templates, and other assets.

How to Convert the File?

Windows:
- Use SharePoint Solution Deployer or PowerShell scripts for deployment.
- Extract the contents using tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR.
Linux:
- Utilize tools like 7-Zip or other archive managers that support CAB files.
- Employ command-line utilities like cabextract for extraction.
Mac:
- Use archive managers like The Unarchiver.
- Utilize command-line utilities like cabextract for extraction.
Android:
- Convert by extracting the contents on a compatible system like Windows or Linux.
- Use third-party apps that support CAB file extraction, if available.
iOS:
- Since iOS has limited support for file system access, conversion may not be directly possible on the device.
- Extract the contents on a compatible system like Windows or Mac, then transfer as needed.
Others:
- Conversion methods may vary depending on the specific platform.
- Extract the contents using compatible tools and transfer to the desired environment for further processing.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Simplified deployment: .WSP files provide a standardized method for packaging and deploying SharePoint components.
Version control: They allow for easy versioning and management of SharePoint solutions.
Modular design: Components packaged in .WSP files can be easily reused across different SharePoint sites and farms.

Disadvantages:

Dependency management: .WSP files may introduce dependencies on specific SharePoint versions or configurations, complicating migration and maintenance.
Limited portability: While .WSP files are designed for SharePoint environments, they may not be easily portable to other platforms or systems.

How to Open WSP?

Open In Windows

.WSP files can be opened using SharePoint Solution Deployer or PowerShell scripts for deployment, or extracted using tools like 7-Zip for inspection and modification.

Open In Linux

Linux users can utilize tools like 7-Zip or other archive managers that support CAB files to extract the contents of .WSP files. However, native support for deploying .WSP files may require additional configuration or third-party tools.

Open In MAC

On macOS, similar to Linux, users can employ archive managers like The Unarchiver or command-line utilities like cabextract to extract the contents of .WSP files. Deploying .WSP solutions may require cross-platform compatibility or virtualization solutions.

Open In Android

Given that .WSP files are specific to SharePoint environments, opening them directly on platforms like Android, iOS, or other non-Windows systems may not be feasible. However, the contents of .WSP files can be extracted and analyzed on compatible platforms using appropriate tools and utilities.